Family and Community Medicine Fellows

Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine Rutgers Health

Bio: I perused palliative medicine and hospice training as I believe an important role for physicians is improving patients' quality of life. For chronic diseases, assessment for the severity of symptoms within psychological, spiritual, and physical domains is crucial. So, applying the skills that I will acquire during my training will allow me to provide integrated care. I chose Mizzou as I knew I will get great training here and I will get exposure to a diverse patient population.

Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Internal Medicine Nuvance Health

Bio: During my initial interactions with the faculty and staff at Mizzou during the virtual interview, I was instantly struck by their warm and positive attitudes. Dr. Craig and the entire faculty displayed a genuine willingness to help and support me, creating an immediate sense of belonging. Despite being born and raised 1200 miles away, their welcoming nature made me feel like I had found a second home.

Since joining the fellowship, this supportive atmosphere has continued to permeate every aspect of my experience. Working alongside the exceptional faculty members in various clinical settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and even conducting home and nursing home visits for hospice care, has been nothing short of extraordinary. These diverse environments have not only deepened my understanding but have also played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence when discussing crucial topics such as goals of care, prognosis, and symptom management. What truly sets this program apart is the emphasis on continuity of care, where we follow patients longitudinally from the hospital to the community, providing palliative care or hospice services. This seamless transition has not only enriched my learning but has also allowed me to witness the profound impact of consistent and compassionate support on patients and their families.

Columbia's vibrant community, coupled with the outstanding resources and supportive environment at the institution, has created the perfect setting for me to grow both personally and professionally.

Medical School: Kansas City University

Residency: Internal Medicine at  Freeman Health System

Bio: I first became interested in palliative medicine accidentally during my third year of medical school. Performing clinicals in the small town of Searcy, AR did not allow for many elective opportunities, but palliative care was available on my elective month. I'm so fortunate Dr. Wyatt took me under his wing and introduced me to a side of medicine I didn't know existed.

Following IM residency I took a Hospitalist job in Fort Myers, Florida. While the weather was wonderful, the yearning for home ultimately wore me down. I decided I wanted to pursue Palliative Care, and what better place to call home than the birthplace of homecoming! Dr. Craig and the team at Mizzou made returning to Columbia an obvious choice. His passion for palliative care, wellness, and education is unrivaled. The HPM fellowship at Mizzou will undoubtably make me a better physician and give me the opportunity to make the most impact for my patients.

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: University of Missouri

Bio: I am from Arkansas and my wife, Raven, is from Texas. We have 1 child, Declan. While we are not from the area, we have felt very comfortable and welcomed during my 3 years of training in Mizzou’s Family Medicine Residency. Staying at Mizzou for my Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship made sense from both personal and professional development standpoints. The faculty are experienced and knowledgeable and known in the Sports Medicine community. I felt comfortable knowing I would have a chance to continue to learn from them while getting the full exposure of training that I was looking for including a top-tier orthopedic experience, access to great facilities, teaching in an academic health system and having the ability to develop in my board-certified field with autonomy and respect. Columbia has been a great town for my wife and I to build our family and grow into our professions.